Interviewed by Stuart Stansfield on ABC South East's Wednesday Morning Show, Mrs Richardson said the decision to run was last minute and influenced by her peers.

Working full time and studying part time, she said it 'didn't enter my thoughts to run'.

"More or less I was lobbied heavily by other Council members."

Voted in by a majority on Monday night, Mrs Richardson is the first female to be appointed to the deputy mayor role in the Council's history.

Cr Ian Von Stanke also ran for the position, following Byron Harfields resignation last week.

To the question of what council can do better, Mrs Richardson had just one word.

"Everything."

"It would be foolish to say we're all perfect because nobody is.

"We could always do everything better."

The council has been scolded in the past for lack of community consultation, which Mrs Richardson said is an issue that needs to be addressed.

"My personal belief is that we need to be out talking to people more," she said.

"It's daunting to come into a building of authority."

"Why can't we go and have a barbecue out on a reserve so that it's informal and people can get to know the councillors."

However she said it was a two-way street.

Chair of the community engagement and social inclusion working party, Mrs Richardson said council could all it liked to involve the community but there was a 'responsibility for the community to be involved as well'.

"It's important we hear those criticisms so we can look at we do."

Mrs Richardson said one of the biggest problems Mount Gambier faced was transport and social exclusion problems, the latter of which she dealt with in her work with the Mental Illness Fellowship of South Australia.

"Social exclusion in the biggest factor in mental health problems," she said.

"The library is a big asset in this regard - it's a place for everyone."

Mrs Richardson said council currently had some fantastic projects in the working phase, including the railway lands project, of which she is chairing the working party and also the recent demolition of Mount Gambier's old Hospital.

"We have that unsightly building demolished at last," she said.

"That's taken some work, to make sure we have the finances to do that without having a huge rate rise for the residents of Mt Gambier."

"We are a financially stable council and for the first time we have a ten year plan," she said.

As for her already busy workload of study and full time work, Mrs Richardson weighed in, saying she's ready to take on the added responsibilities of the job.

"I have really supportive employers, so I'm going to reduce my working hours so that I can spend more time doing the deputy mayor duties."

Richardson admits relations between councillors have been strained in the past, feeling she was held back from some council committees.

After mediation to discuss the problem, Richardson said 'we got on with the job'.

"One of my main antagonists in the past was the person who lobbied me hardest to stand," she said.

"The elected members have grown and developed a long way.

"We've all got the best intent which is to do the best we can for Mt Gambier and its residents."